News Summary
San Diego State University has received a 4.5 out of 5 star rating from Money magazine, highlighting its value, academic excellence, and financial aid commitment. With a historic scholarship distribution rate and a strong graduation rate, SDSU is noted for its significant strides in research funding and accommodating a growing student body. The university’s increasing application numbers reflect its appeal, making it a premier choice for higher education in California.
San Diego – San Diego State University (SDSU) has been recognized by Money magazine as one of the top colleges in the nation in its annual ranking, achieving a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. This ranking, released earlier this summer, highlights the university as a “top value” institution for students seeking high-quality education that aligns with their financial needs.
The ranking metrics included important factors such as graduation rates, tuition costs, financial aid availability, and alumni income. Money magazine emphasized SDSU’s noted reputation for internationally acclaimed research, along with its diverse student body and prime location in San Diego, which is known as a hub for science and technology.
One of the standout features of SDSU is its strong support for scholarships. The university achieved a historic scholarship distribution rate of 99.92% for the academic year 2023–2024, which marked a significant increase in financial aid available to students. This rate slightly improved to 99.96% in the following academic year, showcasing the university’s commitment to assisting its student body financially. The SDSU Scholarship Office has noted pride in achieving new scholarship milestones over the past two academic years, reaffirming their dedication to providing financial support.
Further bolstering SDSU’s appeal is the university’s recent graduation rate, which reached nearly 61% for the fall 2020 cohort. This statistic exceeds the predicted graduation rate based on the student demographics, showcasing the effectiveness of the university’s programs. CSU Chancellor Mildred García has acknowledged the significance of these rates within the California State University system, which is unmatched among four-year higher education institutions.
All CSU campuses, including SDSU, earned at least four stars in the Money ranking, with 15 institutions ranking in the top 10% nationwide. The recognition of CSU schools as “engines of social mobility” highlights their success in enrolling and graduating low-income and minority students.
In addition to educational excellence, SDSU has made strides in research funding, achieving a record $230 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. This funding supports initiatives that benefit both students and the broader community, contributing to the university’s growing reputation as a leader in various fields.
With an increasing number of applications, SDSU plans to construct seven new dorm towers to accommodate its growing student population. Over 118,800 students applied for admission for the fall 2025 semester, representing an approximately 40% increase in freshman applications since 2020. SDSU expects to surpass 123,000 applications, reflecting its broad appeal among prospective students.
The university’s admissions process remains open for programs at both Imperial Valley and Global Campus locations, ensuring accessibility for a diverse range of students. As SDSU works to expand its student body, it relies on state funding to maintain tuition affordability, solidifying its status as a valued institution for education in California.
This combination of academic excellence, strong financial aid support, and commitment to research places San Diego State University in a prominent position among higher education institutions, making it an appealing choice for students across the nation.
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Additional Resources
- Times of San Diego: Money Names SDSU Among High-Value Colleges Nationwide
- Fox 5 San Diego: San Diego Universities Make WSJ’s Best Colleges in the U.S. List
- San Diego Union-Tribune: SDSU Joins Harvard, Caltech, and UCSD on List of Nation’s Elite Research Schools
- Best Colleges: California State Schools
- Axios: San Diego State University Applications & Enrollment
- Wikipedia: San Diego State University
- Google Search: San Diego State University
- Google Scholar: San Diego State University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Diego State University
- Google News: San Diego State University
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
